Muscles of the Rotator Cuff Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Muscles of the Rotator Cuff flashcards as text
Which rotator cuff muscle is primarily responsible for initiating abduction of the arm (first 15 degrees)?
Answer: Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus initiates abduction for the first 15 degrees before the deltoid becomes the primary mover.
The infraspinatus muscle inserts onto which part of the greater tubercle of the humerus?
Answer: Middle facet
The infraspinatus inserts onto the middle facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
Which nerve innervates the teres minor muscle?
Answer: Axillary nerve
The teres minor is innervated by the axillary nerve (C5, C6), specifically its posterior branch.
A patient cannot internally rotate their arm against resistance. Which rotator cuff muscle is most likely injured?
Answer: Subscapularis
The subscapularis is the primary internal rotator among the rotator cuff muscles.
What is the primary blood supply to the supraspinatus tendon's critical zone?
Answer: Suprascapular artery
The suprascapular artery provides the main blood supply to the supraspinatus, though its 'critical zone' near the insertion is relatively avascular.
Which rotator cuff muscle originates from the infraspinous fossa of the scapula?
Answer: Infraspinatus
The infraspinatus originates from the infraspinous fossa, which occupies most of the posterior scapular surface below the spine.
During the 'lift-off test,' which rotator cuff muscle is specifically being assessed?
Answer: Subscapularis
The lift-off test (Gerber's test) specifically isolates the subscapularis by asking the patient to lift the dorsum of their hand off the lower back.